From Everydayism to Transformational Social Sustainability
Who wants to be stuck in “everydayism”? It may be comfy but it’s not very dynamic. Here’s a way out. Recently I published a how-to guide for business on how to go beyond “everdayism” to foster sustained social benefits in communities and markets.
The Water Imperative: New Standards in Corporate Water Leadership
No one should take water for granted. Whether it’s too much, too little or poor quality, water security is a top global issue. Virtually every product requires water at some point in its production, manufacturing or use. Water shortages and lack of access to clean, fresh water are two top global risks – and by 2030 global water consumption is expected to rise by 40%.
Europe adopted a groundbreaking CSR directive – what’s the status in Canada?
Recently the European Commission adopted a groundbreaking CSR directive. It applies to 6,000 large companies with over 500 employees. Effective 2017, it directs them to disclose information on policies, risks and outcomes related to environmental matters, social and employee-related aspects, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery issues, and boards director diversity.
Creating business value while generating social value
Business knows how to create value but today’s most progressive businesses are using business value to generate social value – and vice versa.
Watch and share Sustainability Illustrated – Simple, engaging, informative sustainability videos
A guest blog by Alexandre Magnin, sustainability consultant and illustrator.
Help make CSR disclosure law
The Canadian government is currently conducting consultation on the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) – they are seeking submissions until May 15, 2014. I have drafted a submission focused on CSR reporting and would like your input.
Transformational companies redefine business for a sustainable future
When Unilever announced their Sustainable Living Plan in 2010 they set three broad goals to position their company as part of the solution to environmental, social and economic challenges.
Transformational companies tackle the double whammy
Sustainability transformation will happen at two levels: internally – the company itself – and externally – the system within which the company operates. To be successful, companies need to address both challenges especially if they want to create long-term shareholder and societal value.
CSR – A Plug and Play Platform for Planet Earth
I like plug and play. You plug in a new device or program to your computer and it just works – no set up, no reconfiguration. I like that the term has joined the popular marketing and business lexicon – “the new guy at work is so plug and play”, meaning a new employee doesn’t need any training. And in Silicon Valley there’s the Plug and Play Tech Centre, a “start-up accelerator” for fledgling companies.
Can sustainability reporting fuel the shift to a transparent economy?
I’m always looking for tipping points or levers or tools that have the power to catapult us into sustainable behaviour patterns on this small Earth. And guess what – it looks like the trusty sustainability report has a role to play in this profound evolution.
Game-changing Resolutions
Welcome to the New Year! Let’s make it a year fuelled by game-changing resolutions. How do we do that? Well, as individuals we determine our priorities, we make sure they are meaningful and we identify the behaviours we would like to change.
Advancing a Green Economy
At a time when many national economies are in the red, let’s put our energy into building a green economy. I recently facilitated a lively discussion among green economy experts. We talked about how public policy can advance a green economy agenda.